Lily (Song of the River) by Diane T. Ashley & Aaron McCarver

Author:Diane T. Ashley & Aaron McCarver [Ashley, Diane T.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2012-06-01T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-nine

Conflicting desires pulled at Tamar. She could barely concentrate on getting the two older girls ready for the ball because of wondering whether Jensen would come to visit while the others were out dancing. He’d come to the Thorntons’ home several times over the past week, but that didn’t mean he would come tonight, not after she’d told him to leave her alone.

She regretted her words even if they were sensible. He was too nice a man to get tangled up with the likes of her. She would be happy if he didn’t come, wouldn’t she?

The answer was simple. She wouldn’t be happy at all. There were so many reasons to push him away. A thousand obstacles stood between her and Jensen, not the least of which was that she had no right to marry. She was too old, too plain, too dark, and too sensible to listen to his suggestions.

“I think you’ve pulled my corset too tight.” Lily reached back to tug on her hands.

Tamar released some of the pressure on the laces. “I’m sorry. I don’t know where my mind is tonight.”

“I wish I could go.” Jasmine sat pouting in a corner of the girls’ bedroom. “I’m going to be all alone.”

“No, you won’t.” Camellia stood in front of the mirror, admiring her new blue gown. “David and Tamar will be here.”

“I’m practically grown up.” The whine in Jasmine’s voice contradicted her words. “Besides, you and Lily can’t dance. You’re still in mourning.”

Tamar knew her girls well enough to know that Camellia would probably be on the dance floor before the beginning of the second song. Here in New Orleans no one knew about her grandfather’s death, so she would see no reason to deny herself. Lily would probably remain seated with the matrons and old maids, content to watch the younger girls dip and swirl in the arms of their suitors. If she didn’t watch out, she would find herself alone as her sisters married and began families.

“I hope both of your sisters will dance, Miss Jasmine.” She reached for the hooped crinoline that would make Lily’s skirt stand out in a bell shape. “I’m sure your grandfather wouldn’t disapprove. He’d like to see his girls having a wonderful evening.”

Jasmine crossed her hands over her chest. “I’m not so sure about that. He’ll probably be upset to see me staying here with you and David.”

“Don’t be so anxious to grow up, Jasmine.” Lily stood still while Tamar lifted her new skirt over her head and settled it around her waist. “You need to learn the trick of finding enjoyment no matter your age, or you’ll always be so busy looking ahead that you’ll miss a lot of grand adventures.”

“But you and Camellia are wearing your new clothes. Why did you get a dress for me if I can’t wear it?”

Tamar frowned at Jasmine. “You’ll wear it tomorrow when you go to church.”

Jasmine turned her face to the window.

Tamar tweaked the gray material of Lily’s skirt, making sure every fold was perfect.

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